THE OLIVE 25 



that disturb the uniform distribution of the fronds. Its leaves 

 are narrower at the insertion than at the aj^ex, of a beautiful 

 green on the U2:>per side and a strong white on the louver. 



In deep and rich soils it acipires great stature. Fogs, cold and 

 variations of temperature do it harm, so much so that it loves pro- 

 tected sites, and the half hill, and in districts most exposed to frosts 

 prefers the west and northwest exposures to defend itself against the 

 dan«:er of sudden thaws. It is immoderatelv fecund, to the deo-ree 

 that it buds even in the midst of blossoming. It retains its fruit 

 badly, especially in wind or prolonged heat. 



The berries are roundish, fiesliv and richer in oil, than anv other 

 variety, on which account in the country about Calci, at the foot of 

 the Pisan mountains, the people call them " frantojani " or, oil press 

 olives. They commence to mature from Xovember and December 

 and turn to black and w^iney black. 



Grossajo, Frantojo or Cor.reggiolo. 



This variety is most cultiyated in the districts outside of Lucca 

 and Pisa in the best exposures and sheltered spots where the soil is 



rich. It is as delicate as the Razzo but less fecund and the berry 



«/ 



less oily. 



It is distinguished from the preceding (see Plate lY) by its nu- 

 merous long, subtle and flexible twigs, so that its toj) is rather spread 

 out and makes the appearance of a willowy. It becomes a large tree 

 and like the Razzo needs little -pruning. 



The berries are larger than those of the Razzo, blown up at the 



extremity, curved like a bow on one side, and for oleosity stand next 



to the preceding. In comparison with the weight of the nut the 



flesh is less developed than the Morajolo. It matures at the same 



time as the Razzo, taking first a lilac color then a wdne red and 



even black. 



The Taggiasco, 



This olive prevails in Liguria. It is sensitive to cold and fogs, so 

 it prefers the low hills w^ith a sunny exposure and mild temperature 



